How Important Is It For Red Sox To Lead At MLB All-Star Break?

Jul 20, 2018

J.D. Martinez at the All-Star Game. (Nick Wass - Pool/Getty Images)

BOSTON (WBZ-AM) -- The Red Sox lead the majors by four-and-a-half games with 68 wins. They won 17 of 20 and 12 of 13 entering the All-Star break but, even at the time, manager Alex Cora was happy to have a little time off.

"The All-Star break always comes at the right time, it's needed," he said. "The situation with Andrew is good, and I think for the pitchers, it's going to be a good time to re-set. I'm not talking about the starters, I'm talking about the relievers. When you go through stretches like this, it seems like you go to the same guys again and again and again. You have to do it. I think Monday will be perfect, but we're not looking ahead."

Sox are down to the last 40 percent of their regular season, starting tonight in Detroit at 7:10 p.m.

The other division leaders are the Indians, Astros, Phillies, Cubs, and Dodgers.

Since 1996--the first full season with at least one Wild Card spot--64 percent of the division leaders at the break also finished atop the standings. Among the last 22 World Series winners, 13 led their divisions at the All-Star stoppage.